Championship chasing Hamilton appreciates family values
Hamilton’s dad Anthony, mum Carmen, step-mum Linda and brother Nic, who saw him through last week’s dark period when the flak was flying.
Other than his father, who also serves as his manager, the others were not meant to be in China, but after what unfolded in Japan, Hamilton asked them to be by his side.
Their support undeniably served its purpose as Hamilton produced arguably the most complete weekend of his career, culminating in Sunday’s pole-to-flag victory.
They will now all be in Sao Paolo, home of Felipe Massa who is now Hamilton’s only rival for the title entering the final race of the season.
It is 17 years since Brazil last had a world champion in the late, great Ayrton Senna, so Hamilton is acutely aware of how fervently its people will be wanting Massa to win.
But despite the support Massa will receive in the amphitheatre that is Interlagos, he maintains that is nothing compared to his family.
“The family will play a huge part, as they do all the time,” said Hamilton, who holds a seven-point lead over Massa.
“They were going to go to Brazil, but I asked them to because I needed their support with everything that was going on. They support me so much, and without them I would not have done so well. In Brazil, I’m fully expecting the crowd to be a kind of 12th man for Felipe, which is fine.
“But I know how much support I have back home, and I’ll again have that from my family.
“Just having my dad, my mum, my brother, Linda, all there for me, their support is far greater than 100,000 people in a stadium, so whatever happens, it’s not a worry.”
The family will also ensure Hamilton does not get ahead of himself, given the seemingly comfortable cushion he has over Massa. If Hamilton finishes in the top five, then he will be crowned world champion, regardless of what Massa does.
The Ferrari star can only take the title if he wins and Hamilton is sixth or lower, or if he is second and the 23-year-old is eighth or lower, taking it on countback as they would be tied on points.
Hamilton heads to Brazil in the right frame of mind after his win in China.
“It was as important as any victory I’ve had,” assessed Hamilton.
“This past weekend was one of my best performances. Standing on top of the podium, after what happened last year, felt amazing. But we need to keep our feet on the ground.”
